History and Recognition
 

History


The Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program started in 1972 as a pilot program called the “Pipestone Sheep Project” it was jointly funded by the National Sheep Industry Development Board (SID) and the Minnesota Department of Education. The basic purpose for starting the Pipestone Sheep Project was to boost the level of sheep management and production in the Pipestone area by bringing modern, profitable management technology to member sheep producers and help them properly implement these techniques on their individual farms.

The Pipestone Sheep Project worked with member sheep producers in a hundred mile radius of Pipestone through individual instruction, group instruction, class sessions and 24-hour phone consultation.

Over the years this unique educational concept has been very effective and has elevated the management level of sheep operations in the Pipestone area to production levels unparalleled anywhere in the world. When the program started in 1972 there were about 52,000 breeding ewes in the area served by the program and the average lambing percentage was just under 110%. Today the same area has 78,000 breeding ewes with an average lambing percentage marketed of about 170%.

This success brought the Lamb and Wool Program a national reputation for sheep management knowledge, education, production and marketing. Because of this reputation and national producer demand, the program branched out to help producers nationwide through it’s Home Study Course on Sheep Management and it’s annual shortcourses. Enrollment in all programs over the past 30 years totals 11,305 sheep producers from all 50 states and 10 foreign countries.
 

Hall of Fame

Lamb and Wool Program
Holaway Memorial Hall of Fame

The selection for the Hall of Fame is based on outstanding accomplishments in sheep production and or recognition of valuable contributions of time and service to the Pipestone Lamb and Wool Program by a person from education, Research or allied industries.
 

1984

Dwight Holaway

First Lamb and Wool Instructor

1985

Marv Thomsen

Started the adult Lamb and Wool Program

1986

Dr. G.F. Kennedy
Pipestone Vet Clinic

Advisory Committee, Governing Board, Practical Sheep Health Management

1987

Dr. R. M. Jordan
University of Minnesota

Advisory Committee Member, innovative research

1988

John Wichern

First producer to produce and market a 200% lamb crop with over 100 ewes.

1989

Dr. Hudson Glimp
University of Nevada

Fostered the concept and development of the Lamb and Wool Program.

1990

Dr. Charles Parker
Ohio State University

Provided “Vision” through management schemes utilized in the Lamb and Wool Program

1991

Rob Rule
Iowa Lamb Corporation

Dedicated to helping producers improve quality of lambs

1994

Tom Clayman

Dedicated to helping producers improve wool quality

2008

Randy Dombek

Producer who helped pioneer many new “cutting edge” management practices

 
Outstanding Producer

Lamb and Wool Program
Holaway Memorial Outstanding Producer

The selection for the Outstanding Producer is based on achieved outstanding production, performance and profit from their sheep operation.  To qualify, producers must have atleast 100 ewes.  Producers will also be recognized for their leadership and time provided to the Lamb and Wool Program activities.


1984	John Wichern
1985	Jim Perkins
1986	Blaine Maranell
1987	Wes & Esther Moser
1988	Ian & Tammy Cunningham
1989	Randy Dombek
1990	John Essame
1991	Jim & Jon Opdahl
1994	Doug Kratz
1995	Hulshof Farms
2008	Russell Gundermann
2008	David and Julie Hofland

 

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